Subaru continues expanding its electric vehicle lineup, and the newest arrival Down Under adopts a familiar wagon-like shape yet carries a fresh badge. Meet the Trailseeker.

The brand has long offered spacious SUVs resembling wagons, with the Outback remaining a sales favourite. Although the Trailseeker shares similar proportions with recent Outback generations, the vehicles share almost no components.

Underneath, this Subaru shares its platform with a Toyota product, following the pattern of the three other global electric Subarus. The source vehicle is the Toyota bZ4X Touring, and both represent lengthened editions of the bZ4X and Solterra mid-size electric SUV pair.

A notable distinction is local assembly by Subaru itself, marking the first in-house Subaru EV. This does not alter the underlying Toyota engineering.

Additionally, the Trailseeker delivers markedly quicker acceleration than the Outback. Producing 280kW and achieving a claimed 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds, Subaru highlights this as its quickest Australian-market model. It surpasses the 194kW Outback turbo and even the prior WRX STI rated at 221kW.

Given these attributes, Subaru Australia opted for an entirely new name to set the Trailseeker apart from the standard Outback, despite both being marketed as adventure-focused. This occurs even though the same vehicle sells as the e-Outback in regions such as Europe.

For buyers, the Trailseeker forms part of three Subaru EVs arriving locally by late 2026, alongside the current Solterra and upcoming Uncharted. This expands electric options significantly at a time when overall Subaru sales have softened.

The timing also supports compliance with Australia's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard emissions rules, as the brand was among 19 that missed fleet CO2 targets in 2025. Success hinges on customer uptake of these electric offerings.

To assess its capabilities, CarExpert joined other media at a central NSW launch event, testing the Trailseeker across varied roads and surfaces. Could this model strengthen Subaru's electric vehicle strategy?

How much does the Subaru Trailseeker cost?

Following a recent price adjustment, the Trailseeker opens at 63990 dollars before on-road costs in base AWD form and reaches 69990 dollars before on-roads in top Touring specification.

Model	Price before on-road costs
2026 Subaru Trailseeker AWD	63990 dollars
2026 Subaru Trailseeker AWD Touring	69990 dollars

Observers will note the base Trailseeker sits just 2000 dollars above the Solterra, which itself costs 2000 dollars more than the smaller Uncharted. This pricing aligns logically given the close technical similarities despite differing body styles.

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Direct alternatives remain few because of the wagon-style SUV design. The closest match is the mechanically related bZ4X Touring, offered in a single variant at 69990 dollars before on-roads, matching the Trailseeker Touring.

Shoppers might also consider the Zeekr 7X starting at 57900 dollars before on-roads and the Kia EV6 from 72660 dollars before on-roads, although neither emphasises off-road adventure. Another reference point is the popular Tesla Model Y, available from 58900 dollars before on-roads.

An internal benchmark exists with the Subaru Outback, priced from 48990 dollars before on-roads in base AWD up to 62690 dollars before on-roads for the Wilderness Apex flagship.

To see how the Subaru Trailseeker compares with rivals, use our comparison tool

What is the Subaru Trailseeker like on the inside?

The cabin is essentially the same as the Solterra, which benefits from a 2026 refresh.

Similarities are expected because the Trailseeker's strengths appear behind the B-pillars. Up front, Subaru has shaped a welcoming environment.

Unusual forms and styling cues create a premium atmosphere, while frequently used controls feel well made. The centre console proves useful and blends with the cabin theme.

It uses a durable-looking plastic with a soft matte finish that enhances the upscale impression. Two wireless phone chargers sit here, working reliably without overheating devices, plus several drive controls and the gear selector.

The rotating selector comes from Toyota and feels solid, though new users may find it less straightforward. The isolated Park button and glossy piano-black finish are less appealing.

Like the Solterra, the Trailseeker omits a glovebox on the passenger side. This limits storage, forcing reliance on the open tray beneath the console or the modest central bin.

The bin lid can flip sideways toward either occupant, and the central tray includes two USB-C ports plus a 12-volt socket. Two cupholders sit low and suit taller bottles.

Interior contact points stand out. Armrests are well padded, and switches and levers operate with a solid, quality feel.

This quality carries to the seats and steering controls. Upholstery comes in black synthetic leather or black-and-blue leather-accented material by variant, yet all versions feel supportive and comfortable.

Front seat heating is standard, with ventilation added on the Touring. The seats suit extended journeys and provide light bolstering. Power adjustment is included on all models.

The driving position shares the Solterra's quirks. The raised instrument cluster interrupts the dashboard line and requires looking over rather than through the wheel, requiring adjustments to seat and steering reach.

Subaru retains its flat-bottom steering wheel, which helps and is preferred over Toyota's round wheel. It is not flawless but remains usable.

The wheel diameter is compact, an attribute some drivers will appreciate. It carries many buttons, though the layout feels busy.

The most obvious Toyota element is the 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. It matches units in other Toyota and Subaru electric vehicles as well as certain Lexus models.

This is an advantage, as Lexus-level hardware benefits a Subaru. The display looks and works better than Subaru's vertical systems found in the WRX and Forester.

Response is quick, and menus are logical. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. The Touring pairs this screen with a strong Harman Kardon audio system, while the base audio lacks punch.

The main drawback is the mostly touchscreen climate controls. The large, labelled touch areas are helped by two big digital dials, though these feel imprecise when turned.

Although the Trailseeker gains appeal behind the B-pillars, the second row closely mirrors the Solterra because both use the same 2850 mm wheelbase. The Trailseeker is slightly taller overall.

This extra height is welcome. The Solterra already offers generous rear space with ample legroom. The Touring's panoramic roof reduces headroom slightly, yet at 173 cm I fitted comfortably.

A flat floor aids movement across the cabin. The bench uses slippery material and subtle shaping that may allow some lateral shifting in corners.

Rear passengers enjoy comfort, and the glass roof brightens the space despite the high window line. Standard features include rear air vents, two USB-C ports and heated outboard seats.

The cargo area is the standout feature. It is very large, matching or exceeding the Tesla Model Y. Length is the advantage, with the floor extending far forward and a hands-free power tailgate aiding access.

However, the lack of a spare wheel disappoints. Tyre repair kits are common in EVs, yet an adventure-oriented vehicle should include a spare.

Further frustration comes from an almost spare-sized recess under the floor. Better packaging might have allowed a space-saver despite the rear motor. This remains a notable shortcoming regardless of the Toyota connection.

The vehicle-to-load outlet in the boot is a positive, available only on the Touring.

Dimensions	Subaru Trailseeker
Length	4845mm
Width	1860mm
Height	1675mm
Wheelbase	2850mm
Cargo capacity	609L (rear seats up, Trailseeker AWD) 595L (rear seats up, Trailseeker AWD Touring)

To see how the Subaru Trailseeker compares with rivals, use our comparison tool

What's under the bonnet?

The Trailseeker uses dual electric motors driving all wheels with a combined 280kW output. No total torque figure is published. A 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery from CATL supplies energy.

Specifications	Subaru Trailseeker
Drivetrain	Dual-motor electric
Battery	74.7kWh li-ion
Peak power	280kW
Peak torque	268Nm + 268Nm
Drive type	All-wheel drive
Tare mass	2040kg (Trailseeker AWD) 2070kg (Trailseeker AWD Touring)
0-100km/h (claimed)	4.5 seconds
Energy consumption (claimed)	15.4kWh/100km (Trailseeker AWD) 16.8kWh/100km (Trailseeker AWD Touring)
Claimed range (WLTP)	533km (Trailseeker AWD) 488km (Trailseeker AWD Touring)
Max AC charge rate	22kW
Max DC charge rate	150kW (30min 10-80 per cent)

Launch conditions did not allow collection of representative real-world consumption data.

To see how the Subaru Trailseeker compares with rivals, use our comparison tool

How does the Subaru Trailseeker drive?

Fastest Subaru delivered in Australia? Absolutely.

The Trailseeker accelerates strongly in a straight line on either variant. Without launch control, full throttle produces rapid forward thrust.

All-wheel drive ensures effective traction for the full 280kW. While models such as the BYD Sealion 7 and Tesla Model Y offer higher outputs reaching 390kW and 461kW, the Trailseeker presents a distinct character.